Will The Digital Transition Be Delayed?

Various news sources are reporting that President-elect Barack Obama wants to delay the digital transition, citing that the nation is not prepared. What do you think of this idea? What impact would a delay of the digital transition have on you? (Make a comment.)

The funny thing is that a lot of people, including me, have overlooked Hawaii’s digital transition date, which is scheduled to occur at noon this Thursday, January 15. (Visit Hawaii's DTV transition website.)

In a way, we'll get a sneak preview of what is expected to happen on February 17, 2009, for the rest of the United States. If Hawaii’s transition goes smoothly, then Obama critics will say that all is well in digital TV land. If it flops, then Obama might be on to something.

One thing is for sure -- Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association, is not happy with Obama's desire to delay the digital transition. He issued a letter to the Obama team detailing why the transition should proceed as planned. (Read full letter at www.cepro.com.)